Rivers & Rails: Luxury South Africa Cruises with Safari

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Cape Town! After being greeted at the airport by a representative, enjoy a transfer to the luxurious Cape Grace Hotel. Get to know your tour director and fellow travelers at a welcome reception this evening.
Cape Grace Hotel

Day 2
Embark on a full-day exploration along one of the world’s most stunning driving routes, taking you past the 12 Apostles, Hout Bay, and Chapman’s Peak. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope, first rounded in modern times in 1488 by the Portuguese in their attempt to establish trade in the Far East and still a significant landmark for sailors today. Visit Boulders Beach, home to thousands of African penguins, and then be treated to lunch with drinks overlooking beautiful False Bay.
Cape Grace Hotel

Day 3
You have a choice of two excursions today, depending on your interests. Take a cableway
up to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas, followed by a trip to the Cape Winelands. South African wine is world-renowned, and you’ll get to visit two of its best vineyards, complete with wine tasting. A sumptuous lunch will be included along the way.

Or choose to explore another side of Cape Town at famous Robben Island, once used as a prison for many political inmates, including Nelson Mandela. You’ll ferry over to the island, where you will take a tour led by a former inmate. Back in Cape Town, enjoy lunch and afterwards board the cableway to Table Mountain’s summit, followed by a drive through some of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Cape Grace Hotel

Day 4
Today marks the beginning of your safari river cruise on the Chobe River—one of the best places in the world to see large herds of elephants! In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Victoria Falls. Here, you will be transferred to the Chobe River which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. Then board tender boats that will take you to the Zambezi Queen moored on the Namibia side of the river. Settle into your stateroom, enjoy a mid-afternoon snack, and in the evening, be treated to a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner.
Zambezi Queen

Day 5
Embark on an exhilarating, morning boat safari to explore the Chobe River’s diverse game viewing. Afterwards, return to the Zambezi Queen for lunch. As the Zambezi Queen cruises along the Chobe River, relax on board in the afternoon and enjoy what nature has to offer. Be sure to spend time in the splash pool or perhaps catch-up with your favorite book. Later in the day, revel in panoramic view with another thrilling boat safari.
Zambezi Queen

Day 6
Join a full-day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4×4 vehicles. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffalo. For lunch, take a seat under the trees and savor a delicious picnic.
Zambezi Queen

Day 7
Visit a typical African village where you’ll spend time with the village children as well as its elders. Back on board and following lunch, you’ll have a choice to take a boat safari, bird watch or fish. Enjoy your last evening aboard with a festive African- themed dinner hosted by your crew.
Zambezi Queen

Day 8
Enjoy a morning cruise during breakfast and be on the lookout for wildlife. Afterward, transfer to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. Later this afternoon, join a cocktail reception followed by dinner aboard a vintage steam train and make your way to the Victoria Falls Bridge to watch the sunset over the Falls. 
Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 9
A local guide will take you on a tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. You’ll learn about its history, and the flora and fauna that make this area so unique. In the evening, embark on a private sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Relax on board as you observe a variety of game while enjoying a delicious mix of tapas with drinks, followed by a special dinner with live local entertainment at the hotel.
Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 10
Enjoy a leisurely morning before touring the town of Victoria Falls and being treated to a home-hosted lunch. Later in the day, head to the Victoria Falls colonial-era rail station where you’ll board the Rovos Rail. 
Rovos Rail

Day 11
Start the morning with a safari to the Hwange Game Reserve, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, boasting a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 different birds. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park’s elephant population is one of the largest in the world. After your safari, return to the train for a lovely brunch as you travel through the vast landscapes of central Zimbabwe on the way to the border town of Beitbridge. Take in the southern African landscape from the lounge, observation cars or your deluxe suite. 
Rovos Rail

Day 12
Leave baobab tree country and South Africa’s northern wilderness as you cross the Tropic of Capricorn, traveling alongside the Magaliesberg Mountains.
Rovos Rail

Day 13
Disembark the train in Pretoria where you will be transferred to the airport in Johannesburg for your onward flight home.